18 Years old, MIP (Alcohol)

[Sadface]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan

Two days ago my friend was speeding on the way to a beach, with me and others in the car. He got slapped with a bunch of things, and I got slapped with an MIP to make the story short.

My court date is June 28th. Anyone have any advice? I drank a beer, and I admitted it to the cops. I'm planning on just being honest and hope the judge doesn't bust my balls.

That's my first question, my second deals with insurance and getting my license if you may help with that.

Will the MIP be brought up to my father when getting insurance on my vehicle, and will it affect me when I take my road test, such as I won't be able to receive my license? My road test is June 8th and insurance is going to be on it before or on that day. Also, it won't be brought up when the title is switched to my name this week either will it?

Thank you very much, and I'm hoping that I can handle this MIP on my own without added scorn from my family, I give enough of that to myself.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[cbg]

You have a MIP at the age of 18, and you think you're getting insurance on a vehicle? Or a license?

Man, what optimism.

 

[Sadface]

Well I've always been a hopeful person. I forgot to mention I'm going to Fenton for court. I'm really putting that optimism in hoping for Diversion. I've never had any violations except the day before for a seatbelt violation.

Well, if all hopes for insurance and license are gone, goodbye jobs.

 

[cyjeff]

Well I've always been a hopeful person. I forgot to mention I'm going to Fenton for court. I'm really putting that optimism in hoping for Diversion. I've never had any violations except the day before for a seatbelt violation.

Well, if all hopes for insurance and license are gone, goodbye jobs.

You have a very good chance of losing your license for an extended period.

It is not the court's problem that your criminal behavior hampers your job prospects.

 

[Sadface]

Yes, I'm not blaming anyone but myself, didn't mean to imply that. I don't have my license yet, so I'm assuming that good chance remains as unable to obtain my license until then. I should probably cancel my road test eh?

Also, what should I do about court? Is there anything other than bringing a good attitude and clothes?

 

[cbg]

The attached thread has some very good advice from a very wise man.

https://forum.freeadvice.com/arrests-searches-warrants-procedure-26/domastic-violence-desperate-advise-328778.html

 

[quincy]

First, and not that this does you any good now , you should never admit to having consumed alcohol. To be charged with an MIP in Michigan, you typically must have a BAC of .02 or greater. One beer may not have resulted in this.

Oh well. . . .

You may want to contact an attorney in your area now, prior to your arraignment on June 28. At the arraignment, you will want to plead not guilty. If you have an attorney for this, terrific. If not, I recommend you have one for your subsequent scheduled hearing. The attorney can help ensure that you are offered and placed in the first offender diversion program.

If you are offered the program (and you should qualify), you must plead guilty to the MIP and then meet all of the terms of the program (community service hours, alcohol screening, alcohol testing and/or alcohol education classes) during what is usually a 6 month probationary period. Your MIP charge will be dismissed at the end of the probationary period if all terms of the diversion program are satisfactorially met. There will be no public record of it and nothing to report on school, job or loan applications.

If you do NOT meet all of the terms of the program (ie. you are caught drinking again), then your guilty plea can be entered and you wind up with a misdemeanor on your record and the possibility of a driver's license suspension. A misdemeanor conviction can affect school, jobs, loans, car insurance rates, and travel.

A good attitude and good clothes are important when you present yourself before the judge. In addition, you should not smell of tobacco smoke or heavy cologne or, actually, you should not smell period. You should not take a cell phone to court. Be polite, be contrite. **I just read cbg's post and I agree - seniorjudge covers ALL that you should know when appearing in court. It is definitely worth a read (and perhaps preservation as a sticky somewhere. . .).

The MIP charge should not prevent you, at this point, from taking the driver's test as scheduled and being covered by your father's insurance. You have not been convicted of anything - and, with luck, you won't be. Driver's license suspensions come with repeat violations - which of course you won't have.

I DO suggest, however, that you inform your parents of the MIP now, despite your feelings that they will react "with scorn." They are bound to find out about your arrest sooner or later. It is usually better that they find out from you. . . .

Good luck.

 

[Proserpina]

The attached thread has some very good advice from a very wise man.

https://forum.freeadvice.com/arrests-searches-warrants-procedure-26/domastic-violence-desperate-advise-328778.html

That one should be stickied. Thanks for finding it again, c

 

[cbg]

And don't forget to check out the link under Public Defender's Advice in SJ's post.

 

[Sadface]

Thank you very much cbg, I read all of that post and the links, affirming what everyone should know. I'll remember it.

Also thank you quincy, I've been doing research since I've gotten it and I figure I made a mistake there. As for an attorney, I'm not sure I can afford one, even for a consult. I've been debating whether to tell my parents, and I will because, well I need to. As far as attorneys go, what does the average cost run up?

I don't need specific numbers, just something general. I can do the specific information finding. Thank you very much, again.

 

[quincy]

Attorney costs vary widely. You can probably locate an attorney in your area who charges $75/hour; many will charge much much much more. I doubt if you will find one for less.

The best way to determine what an attorney charges for handling an MIP is to call around and ask. And be sure to ask about the attorney's experience with MIPs and the diversion program. While you do not need a DUI expert by any means, you should have an attorney who is comfortable with Michigan alcohol laws and minors.

Because you are close to U of M Flint, you could find an attorney or two offering "student discounts" on MIPs (generally for college students, but potentially for high school students), or some who will consider a payment plan to fit your budget. It does not hurt to explain your financial situation and ask about a discount or the possibility of making monthly payments. You may first want to see if your parents will cover the initial cost of an attorney and then offer you a repayment plan, however.

I definitely believe it will be worth the investment to have an attorney with you in court.

Good luck, with your driving test and with your court appearance.



(the Public Defender essay, cbg, is priceless! )

 

[Sadface]

Thank you very much quincy, your posts have been very helpful and informative. I'll talk to one of my friends and his dad, since they know some people, as well as do some calling. I'm planning on telling my parents tomorrow or later.

Thank you very much, I hope with any luck at all that it will all run smoothly.